Former UCLA Standout Freshman Officially Inks 2-Way Deal With Charlotte Hornets

Former UCLA Pac-12 All-Freshman Team shooting guard Amari Bailey, who was selected with the No. 41 pick by the Charlotte Hornets in last month's draft, has officially signed a two-way contract with the team, according to a Hornets press release from yesterday.

Bailey, a former teammate of USC-bound shooting guard Bronny James' at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, enjoyed a solid first one-and-done stint with the Bruins in 2022-23, averaging 11.2 points on .495/.389/.698 shooting splits, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 dimes a night.

The 6'5" wing is the highest-drafted player to ink a two-way deal this year. He'll be splitting his time between Charlotte and the club's NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.

Former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill two-time ACC All-Defense selection Leaky Black occupies another two-way slot for the Hornets. 2023-24 marks the first season NBA teams will be able to field three two-way signings, so the Hornets could check out another longer-term development prospect.

Across four Summer League contests with the Hornets (in 13.7 minutes per), Bailey averaged 6.3 points on a paltry 35.7% shooting from the floor and 3.5 boards per night. He may be raw to start, but here's hoping some seasoning with the Swarm will eventually make him an NBA-ready talent.